Care began with a thorough exam by KIRO’s team of doctors. The evaluation revealed limited active and passive range of motion in the right shoulder, particularly with overhead and behind-the-back movements, along with tenderness in the rotator cuff tendons and mild guarding of the surrounding muscles. Weakness was noted in shoulder abduction and external rotation, consistent with rotator cuff strain.

To further assess function, the doctors performed a baseline nervous system scan, which showed elevated tension patterns around the shoulder and upper back, confirming that the injury was affecting both joint mobility and surrounding muscular support. These findings guided a 3-month personalized care plan to reduce pain, restore safe shoulder movement, and strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilizing muscles.

Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments targeting the shoulder, upper back, and neck, paired with gentle joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy to reduce inflammation and tension. Our doctors introduced light, pain-free activation exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers to prevent deconditioning while protecting the healing tendon.

At the five-week reassessment, our doctors repeated the nervous system scan and evaluated shoulder range of motion, strength, and pain levels. The scan showed reduced tension through the shoulder and upper back, and Nicole reported improved ability to lift her arm and perform daily tasks with minimal discomfort. Based on these improvements, care shifted to once-per-week visits, emphasizing progressive strengthening, posture optimization, ergonomics, and functional movement retraining.

Over the following two months, the doctors implemented a series of gradual rotator cuff and scapular strengthening exercises, combined with controlled overhead and rotational movements to restore full shoulder mechanics. Ergonomic and activity guidance ensured Nicole could continue her studies and daily routines without reinjuring the shoulder.